Speaking at a fundraiser in Colonie Tuesday evening, Caputo said Paladino’s reading from a prepared speech was “on me.”

“I’m responsible for the message of this campaign,” he said. Paladino said in Brooklyn that he didn’t want children to be “brainwashed into thinking that homosexuality is an equally valid and successful option — it isn’t.”

Paladino was condemned by Republicans and Democrats, and apologized Tuesday. That night, Caputo said: “It is the duty of the campaign manager to fall on his sword, and I would tell you if I had a wound in my stomach.”